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Did You Know These 20 Facts About US National Symbols?
The United States has numerous national symbols that represent its history, values, and identity. From the iconic American flag to lesser-known emblems, here are 20 fascinating facts about American national symbols that showcase the rich heritage of the nation.
1. The American Flag’s Evolution
The current American flag design was created by a 17-year-old student named Robert G. Heft in 1958 as a school project. He initially received a B- grade, but his teacher later changed it to an A when his design was selected by President Eisenhower.
2. Bald Eagle’s Second Chance
Benjamin Franklin initially opposed the bald eagle as the national bird, preferring the turkey instead. The bald eagle was chosen in 1782 and was nearly extinct in the 1970s before conservation efforts saved the species.
3. Liberty Bell’s Famous Crack
The Liberty Bell’s iconic crack didn’t appear all at once. The initial crack developed in the 1840s and expanded to its current size when workers tried to repair it for George Washington’s birthday celebration in 1846.
4. The Great Seal’s Hidden Symbolism
The Great Seal of the United States contains exactly 13 of everything, representing the original colonies: arrows, stars, stripes on the shield, leaves, and olives on the branch.
5. National Anthem Origin
“The Star-Spangled Banner” wasn’t officially adopted as the national anthem until 1931, despite being written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812.
6. Uncle Sam’s Real Identity
Uncle Sam was based on Samuel Wilson, a meat packer who supplied rations for soldiers during the War of 1812. The “U.S.” stamp on meat barrels was jokingly associated with “Uncle Sam.”
7. White House Paint Secret
The White House wasn’t always white. It received its first whitewash in 1798 to protect the porous stone from freezing, and it takes 570 gallons of paint to cover its exterior today.
8. The Washington Monument’s Two Colors
The Washington Monument was built in two phases, resulting in slightly different colored stones. Construction was halted for 23 years due to lack of funds and the Civil War.
9. Statue of Liberty’s French Connection
The Statue of Liberty’s face was modeled after the sculptor’s mother, and its original copper color has turned green due to oxidation over time.
10. National Motto’s Late Addition
“In God We Trust” wasn’t adopted as the official national motto until 1956, during the Cold War era as a contrast to state atheism in the Soviet Union.
11. The Rose’s Status
The rose became the national floral emblem in 1986, specifically the variety known as “American Beauty,” though all roses are considered part of the national symbol.
12. Capitol Building’s Indigenous Guardian
The Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol building was assembled by a formerly enslaved craftsman named Philip Reid, who solved the puzzle of how to separate its sections.
13. Presidential Seal Evolution
The Presidential Seal has undergone four major design changes since 1789, with the eagle’s head direction being switched to face the olive branches (representing peace) rather than the arrows (representing war) in 1945.
14. American Buffalo’s Comeback
The American Buffalo (Bison) became the first national mammal in 2016, representing a conservation success story after nearly becoming extinct in the 1800s.
15. Oak Tree Recognition
The oak was designated as America’s national tree in 2004 through a nationwide vote conducted by the Arbor Day Foundation.
16. Pentagon’s Rapid Construction
The Pentagon, a symbol of American military might, was built in just 16 months despite its massive size, using enough concrete to build a five-foot-wide sidewalk from Washington to Montana.
17. National Medal of Honor Design
The Medal of Honor has three versions (Army, Air Force, and Navy/Marines/Coast Guard), each with distinct designs but all featuring Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare.
18. American’s Creed History
The American’s Creed, written by William Tyler Page in 1917, won a nationwide contest for best summary of American political faith during World War I.
19. Golden Eagle Protection
The Golden Eagle shares federal protection with the Bald Eagle, making it illegal to possess even a single feather without special permission from the government.
20. National March Recognition
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” was officially designated as the national march of the United States in 1987, composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896.
These national symbols represent more than just historical artifacts or governmental emblems. They embody the values, struggles, and achievements that have shaped the American identity over centuries. Each symbol carries its own unique story and significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of American heritage and culture. Understanding these symbols helps citizens and visitors alike appreciate the depth and complexity of American history and its ongoing evolution as a nation.